RUMBIDZAI N. MUTSEKWA Advanced Gastroenterology Dietitian, PhD Candidate
JOSHUA M. BYRNES Director, Centre for Applied Health Economics
Patient Preferences for Alternative Models of Care in Gastroenterology Demand and supply issues in healthcare Timely access to care is a key measure of healthcare quality. It is an important policy issue for many countries with 20-60% of people waiting more than four weeks for a specialist appointment in many OECD (Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries. In gastroenterology, there is increased demand with growing incidences of gastrointestinal disorders globally. On the supply side, timely access to public specialist care is being impacted by limited gastroenterology and endoscopy resources to serve the population demands. With many countries struggling with increasing healthcare costs, simply increasing current healthcare models is not a feasible option. Healthcare delivery options that are flexible and maximise patient outcomes relative to the cost of providing care are therefore a crucial matter.
Alternative Models of Care in Gastroenterology — What do we know? Team-based approaches that shift traditional professional boundaries and integrate professional role substitution are a promising approach. Use of advanced practice providers, such as nurse practitioners, nurse endoscopists and physician assistants has been growing steadily. More recently, allied-health models, like dietitian-first gastroenterology clinics, have been established as one of many strategies to address demand and supply imbalances, helping to improve patient access and experience whilst remaining within healthcare budgetary limits.1 The dietitian-first gastroenterology model of care (MoC) has been found to be safe,1 effective in improving patient symptoms and quality of life2 whilst reducing health service utilisation rates for low-risk gastroenterology patients.3
The Health Advocate • AUGUST 2022
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